Molecular Imaging

Molecular imaging (also called nuclear medicine or nuclear imaging) can image the function of cells inside the body at the molecular level. This includes the imaging modalities of positron emission computed tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging. How does PET and SPECT imaging work? Small amounts of radioactive material (radiopharmaceuticals) injected into a patient. These can use sugars or chemical traits to bond to specific cells. The radioactive material is taken up by cells that consume the sugars. The radiation emitted from inside the body is detected by photon detectors outside the body. Computers take the data to assemble images of the radiation emissions. Nuclear images may appear fuzzy or ghostly rather than the sharper resolution from MRI and CT.  But, it provides metabolic information at a cellular level, showing if there are defects in the function of the heart, areas of very high metabolic activity associated with cancer cells, or areas of inflammation, data not available from other modalities. These noninvasive imaging exams are used to diagnose cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, bone disorders and other disorders. 

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Coding for Dopamine Transporter Imaging with I-123 Ioflupane

In 2011, the FDA cleared I-123 ioflupane for dopamine transporter imaging, and an SNM expert provides coding advice for Parkinsonian syndromes.

Molecular Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Neurodegenerative Disease

Advancements in molecular neuroimaging are providing new ways to assess neuroinflammation in the brain.

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Spotlight On | Alzheimers Disease

With the aging population, the proliferation of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimers, is becoming a truly global burden.

ASNC Releases Dose-Reduction Guidelines for Nuclear Cardiology

Technological improvements in image acquisition and software processing in nuclear cardiology should allow physicians to shave patient imaging times dramatically or cut radiation doses fourfold, according to a new preferred practice statement from the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology (ASNC).

Vulnerable Plaque Imagings Perilous Journey from Bench to Bedside

Revelations about the actual cause of myocardial infarction have led researchers to seek out new ways to diagnose, evaluate, treat and prevent coronary artery disease, specifically through imaging vulnerable plaque.

Imaging the Heart

Nuclear cardiology is changing to become an important application of molecular imaging.

Self-regulation Through Appropriate Use

The societies have updated and expanded their guidelines for appropriate cardiac nuclear imaging, but how are they being implemented into daily clinical practice?

Is Preventive Molecular Imaging Possible for Cancer?

Advanced cancer biomarker research may well be moving beyond the realm of diagnostic to preventive medicine.

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